Washington County DAVS Strategic Plan

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 01, 2011

Washington County Disability, Aging & Veteran Services Seeks Input to Develop their New Strategic Plan

Washington County Disability, Aging & Veteran Services (DAVS) is seeking input from the community to include in the development of their three-year strategic plan. The new strategic plan will be for 3 years beginning in 2012 through 2014. DAVS is looking for members of the community of all ages to participate in the planning process by engaging in one of several community discussions. DAVS is interested in the opinions of Washington County residents about retirement and what services and activities they need and want as they grow older. Anyone interested can also take a short survey by going to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CVL58YN.

Chris Larson is serving as the contract facilitator for the process. She is committed to gathering as much community input as possible. Chris states, "Our society has never experienced a time when so many people are living to advanced ages. Right now, more than 25 percent of Washington County residents are over the age of 50. Planning for such a large group of individuals is challenging for agencies like DAVS charged with developing services to meet the needs of older people as well as veterans and those with disabilities. We need the community's help to make sure we are on the right track in planning for current and future needs."

The 3-year plan will address the needs and the gaps in services for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.

"Our primary focus is to develop a plan that will address the changes we have to make as the "Baby Boomer" generation begins to need services as they grow older. We know this generation will look at aging and service needs differently than our current seniors. We want to know what they would like to see in a service delivery system to meet their lifestyle and desire to remain a viable part of the communities they live in." says Jeff Hill, Agency Director for the Area Agency on Aging.

The focus groups will be available for the community to attend at the following dates, times and locations:

• Forest Grove Community Auditorium, Thursday, September 15th, 12:00pm-2:00pm
• Washington County Public Services Building, Monday, September 19th, 6:00pm-8:30pm
• Tualatin Public Library, Thursday, September 22nd, 10:00am-12:00pm
• Beaverton City Library, Monday, September 26th, 6:00pm-8:00pm

For more information about the focus groups, the strategic planning process, or if you would like a paper copy of the survey, please contact Janet Long at (503) 846-3081 or E-mail to: [email protected].

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